Jets Fearful Mark Sanchez Injury Not As Bad As Previously Thought

"All We Can Do Is Hope For The Worst," Says Somber Rex Ryan

NEW YORK – With their 2013 season opener against Tampa Bay just five days away, New York Jets coaches and trainers are reportedly worried that the injury suffered by starting QB Mark Sanchez, initially diagnosed as a bruised right shoulder joint, might not be as bad as originally believed, and the fifth year signal caller may be back on the field much sooner than the multiple weeks that the team initially hoped.

Doctors have assured Sanchez that with proper rehabilitation, he’ll be back running face-first into his teammates’ butts before too long.

“We’re still waiting on the results from our latest round of tests,” said a somber Rex Ryan. “But unfortunately the doctors are telling me to brace myself for the news that Sanchez could potentially be back much earlier than we anticipated. I’m told his return could happen in week two or three, or in a worst case scenario, week one.”

With Sanchez on the sidelines, rookie second round draft choice Geno Smith has been taking all the snaps with the starting unit. Observers from practice report that Smith’s command of the offense has been impressive thus far, and his elevation to the starter’s role has given the team a new hope for the coming season, a hope that could now be dashed with the unfortunate news of Sanchez’s possible return.

“Obviously, we all have our fingers crossed while we wait for the doctor’s final diagnosis. All we can do at this point is hope for the worst, and pray that something bad happens to that shoulder between now and Sunday,” concluded Ryan, who then ended the press conference and immediately headed toward the Jets training room carrying a lead pipe and a pair of brass knuckles.